Winners Named in the 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winners in the fourth annual Idaho Innovation Awards, presented by Stoel
Rives LLP and Kickstand, were honored at a special Awards Banquet last
night by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and more than 200 representatives
from Idaho’s business, technology, academic and government communities.

The 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards winners are as follows (see below for
descriptions):

Commercialized Innovation of the Year

Ultra-Fast Charging Technology by IVUS Energy Innovations

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year

Precision Nanoparticles by the Idaho National Laboratory and Idaho
State University

Innovative Company of the Year

Balihoo

Innovator of the Year

Mark Rivers, Owner and CEO, Brix and Company

The nominations were judged by a Selection Committee consisting of
leaders from Idaho’s business and academic communities. Votes were
tallied by accountants at Cooper Norman.

“The quality of the 2009 nominees made this year’s program extremely
competitive and represents some of the state’s best leaders in
innovative thinking and direction,” said Paul Boyd, Stoel Rives
corporate attorney and 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards co-chairman. “It’s
always encouraging, but particularly so during a slow economy, to be
reminded that successful enterprises and innovative accomplishments are
still pushing Idaho’s economy forward. This year’s winners are wonderful
examples of the undeniable spirit of ingenuity found among Idaho
businesses and its leaders.”

The Idaho Innovation Awards program was expanded beyond the four
categories this year to include a new award called the “Governor’s
Choice Award.” This award, designed to recognize an Idahoan whose
ingenuity and determination epitomize innovation excellence, was
presented by Governor Otter to Ground Force Manufacturing President and
CEO Ron Nilson.

The state’s only innovation awards program, the Idaho Innovation Awards
is presented by Stoel Rives and Kickstand. “The Idaho Innovation Awards
program serves as a tremendous venue and opportunity for Idaho residents
to receive statewide recognition for their innovative accomplishments,”
said Chris Volk, Kickstand immediate past-president and chairman and
2009 Idaho Innovation Awards co-chairman. “Kickstand is proud to be part
of that effort and support the incredible innovation that is driving
business in Idaho.”

The program is sponsored by the Idaho Business Review, Idaho
Department of Commerce, Idaho National Laboratory and Oliver Russell. It
also receives support from Cooper Norman, Idaho TechConnect, the Idaho
Innovation Council and the Idaho Technology Council.

About Stoel Rives LLP: Stoel Rives is a business law firm
providing counseling and litigation services throughout the United
States. The firm’s 360 attorneys provide client-focused services to a
wide range of clients from 11 offices in seven states. Stoel Rives is
regarded as a leader in energy, natural resources, environment,
litigation, corporate and intellectual property law. For more
information about Stoel Rives please visit www.stoel.com.

About Kickstand: Kickstand is an entrepreneur support
organization for Idaho’s innovators, in any industry, who need help from
the local community in order to succeed. Kickstand provides live and
virtual forums to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community and promote
business creation and growth. With the tagline "network, learn & grow,"
Kickstand is a non-profit group founded in 2002 by a handful of young
technology companies and like-minded service providers who believed they
could achieve greater success by sharing ideas and success stories. With
some 300 members and three affiliate groups around Idaho, Kickstand
provides opportunities for its members to make connections, learn
start-up tips, and develop as individuals and members of teams or as
"intrapreueurs" inside larger companies. For more information visit www.kickstand.org.

2009 Idaho Innovation Awards Winners

Commercialized Innovation of the Year

Ultra-Fast Charging Technology

IVUS Energy Innovations

IVUS Energy Innovations created and patented FlashPoint Power
Technology, the ultra-fast charging system that enables
super-capacitors to be used in handheld consumer products that
recharge in 90 seconds, require no replacement batteries, and last
over ten years.

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year

Precision Nanoparticles

Idaho National Laboratory

Precision Nanoparticles is a revolutionary and efficient
nanoparticle production technology that delivers uniform, prescribed
nanoparticles (1-100 nanometers) using supercritical fluids.

Innovative Company of the Year

Balihoo

Balihoo is the premier provider of Local Marketing Automation
technology and services to franchises and national brands with local
marketing needs. Balihoo brings enterprise-class marketing to the
local level and gives national brands full visibility into all local
marketing activities and results.

Innovator of the Year

Mark Rivers, CEO and Owner

Brix and Company

Mr. Rivers is one of Idaho’s most active voices and action leaders
in the area of economic development, who is probably best known
for “making things happen” and “putting his own skin into the
game.”